Townsville is a fantastic base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and nearby islands, especially if you love snorkeling in clear, warm waters. The region’s marine biodiversity and accessible reefs make it a favorite for both casual and experienced snorkelers. Among the options, the Magnetic Island snorkeling tours stand out for their ease and intimacy, like the Townsville: Magnetic Island Snorkeling by Jet Ski, which combines a quick ride with a personal underwater experience. If you’re after a more adrenaline-filled adventure, the Snorkeling Jet Ski Tour to Magnetic Island offers the thrill of gliding over the water before jumping into coral gardens. For those wanting to see the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, full-day trips like the Great Barrier Reef and MOUA Snorkeling Day Tour from Townsville and the Townsville: Great Barrier Reef and MOUA Snorkeling Day Tour provide ample time to explore reefs and the inspiring Museum of Underwater Art.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a variety of snorkeling tours—from quick jet ski rides to full-day reef excursions. Each offers something unique:
- Townsville: Magnetic Island Snorkeling by Jet Ski: A two-hour, personal adventure on a jet ski exploring water around Magnetic Island.
- Snorkeling Jet Ski Tour to Magnetic Island: Thrilling jet ski ride that combines gliding over water with snorkeling at Magnetic Island.
- Great Barrier Reef and MOUA Snorkeling Day Tour from Townsville: An all-day, guided reef experience with snorkeling gear included.
- Townsville: Great Barrier Reef and MOUA Snorkeling Day Tour: An eco-certified tour visiting John Brewer Reef and the Museum of Underwater Art.
Below, we’ll go into detail about each to help you decide which suits your style and budget.
1. Townsville: Magnetic Island Snorkeling by Jet Ski
This tour is perfect if you want a short, fun, and personalized snorkeling experience. For around $251 per group (up to 2 people), you get two hours on a jet ski exploring the waters around Magnetic Island. The tour includes scenic rides as you travel to the best snorkeling spots in Florence, Arthur, or Nelly Bay, where the coral gardens are vibrant and full of marine life.
What makes this experience stand out is the combination of adventure and underwater discovery. The guides are experienced and prioritize safety, making it suitable even for beginners. You’ll encounter tropical fish, sea turtles, and maybe even dolphins, depending on the day. The tour’s small size means personalized attention, and the scenic ride adds an extra thrill beyond just snorkeling.
This tour is especially good for travelers who want a quick but memorable outing without spending a full day on the water. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but still want to see the marine life close to Magnetic Island.
Bottom Line: A fun, intimate experience perfect for those seeking a quick, active way to snorkel with excellent guidance and the chance to spot marine animals.
2. Snorkeling Jet Ski Tour to Magnetic Island
At around $249.63 for a two-hour trip, this tour is similar but with a twist—the adrenaline of riding a jet ski across the crystal waters. Starting from Townsville’s Breakwater Marina, the tour whisks you over to Magnetic Island, where you’ll spend time exploring coral reefs. The experience combines the thrill of gliding on a Seadoo with the serenity of snorkeling in vibrant reef areas.
What makes it unique is the fuse of high-speed fun with underwater exploration. The tour has a flexible itinerary, with some guests mentioning that Blake and Brianna are friendly and helpful, even if the process of coordinating can be a little confusing initially. It’s a great choice for those who don’t just want to snorkel but also crave action and speed on the water.
The tour’s shorter duration makes it suitable for travelers who want a half-day adventure. The snorkeling spots are well-regarded for their marine life, and the boat ride offers excellent views of Magnetic Island.
Bottom Line: Ideal for thrill-seekers who want to combine speed, scenery, and marine encounters in a compact, two-hour package.
$249.63 per group (up to 2)
3. Great Barrier Reef and MOUA Snorkeling Day Tour from Townsville
For about $241.07, this full-day tour offers a comprehensive reef experience. Departing from Townsville, the trip provides transportation on a shared boat that takes you to some of the most picturesque spots on the Great Barrier Reef, including the MOUA (Museum of Underwater Art) installation. The tour is perfect for marine enthusiasts who want an immersive experience.
Included in the price is snorkeling gear, so you can simply jump in and explore the vibrant coral and marine life. The tour boasts live commentary, giving insight into the reef’s ecosystem and the story behind MOUA, which features sculptures underwater. It’s a well-rounded experience that combines visual art, marine biology, and recreation.
While the 8-hour duration means a longer day, the relaxed pace and all-inclusive setup—lunch, snacks, gear—offer great value. Reviews indicate a good experience, especially for those interested in both snorkeling and appreciating marine art.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a full-day reef adventure with added cultural interest, suitable for all skill levels.
4. Townsville: Great Barrier Reef and MOUA Snorkeling Day Tour
Priced at $214 per person, this eco-certified tour takes you to John Brewer Reef and the Museum of Underwater Art. The modern catamaran ensures comfort, with plenty of space to relax and enjoy views of the reef. The highlight is the visit to MOUA, which features stunning sculptures integrated into the reef environment, making this tour particularly appealing to those interested in marine conservation and art.
The tour includes snorkeling in a secluded site with excellent clarity and marine life. The top-deck offers panoramic views, creating a perfect backdrop for relaxing and taking photos. The trip is well-regarded for its smooth logistics and friendly crew, making it suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers.
While the reviews are mixed, the focus on eco-sustainability makes this option attractive for environmentally conscious travelers. The value is good, given the full day of marine exploration and the inclusion of all amenities.
Bottom Line: A great choice for those who want a comfortable, eco-friendly reef experience with added art and conservation elements.
$214 per person
How to Choose
When selecting a snorkeling experience in Townsville, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you’re pressed for time but want a personalized adventure, the Townsville: Magnetic Island Snorkeling by Jet Ski offers a quick, fun outing. For adrenaline junkies, the Snorkeling Jet Ski Tour combines speed with marine exploration.
If you prefer a more immersive reef experience with educational elements, the full-day trips to the Great Barrier Reef are hard to beat. The Great Barrier Reef and MOUA Snorkeling Day Tour provides more time to explore, while the Townsville: Great Barrier Reef and MOUA Snorkeling Day Tour emphasizes eco-conscious travel and art.
In terms of cost, expect to pay around $214–$251, with the full-day tours offering the best value if you want to maximize your reef time. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
Townsville provides an excellent variety of snorkeling options suitable for different tastes and budgets. For a quick thrill, the jet ski tours are perfect. If you’re after a full-day adventure, the reef tours with included gear and cultural stops will satisfy your curiosity and sense of exploration. For those with limited time or looking for a more relaxed experience, the shorter tours still provide a peek into the incredible marine environment.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early ensures you secure your spot—these tours fill up fast, especially in the dry season from May to October. Get your fins ready, and enjoy the vibrant underwater world just off the coast of Townsville.
This guide should help you navigate Townsville’s snorkeling scene confidently—happy exploring!